Food waste is not typically an ingredient used in meal planning or as a household cleaner. Orange peels are no exception. In springtime, we eat so many oranges that we produce a pile of peels. In my quest to be more of a contributor and less of a consumer, I knew I could do better than just adding them to the compost pile. The chickens avoid the orange peels like the plague. Citrus is not suitable for red wigglers. Not composting? Learn How to start a DIY Vermicomposting Bin.
Food waste statistics are all shocking. Roughly 1.3 billion tonnes, or one-third of the food produced for human consumption, is wasted, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Americans, on average, throw away $218 billion worth of food annually. YIKES!! I wondered how much I contributed and how I could make a slight difference.
First of all, what is orange peel powder? It’s a versatile ingredient created by drying and grinding orange peels into a fine powder.
The powder can be added to many recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, salads, and more. Using orange peel powder as a food substitute is easy and can be used in various ways.
Orange peel powder is an exciting and versatile ingredient that can be used as a substitute for many types of food.
I often use essential oils in my household cleaners. Using the citrus oil naturally found in peels would save me some cash.
I set out to transform my mountain of orange peels into something useful. I turned them into a powder for my homemade household cleaners and as a substitute for zest in various recipes. (Onion Scape Pesto, salad dressing, cocktails, bread, and soups) yum!
Whether you’re looking for a way to add a subtle citrus flavor to your dishes or trying to cut down on your sugar intake, orange peel powder is a great and healthy choice! OR as a household cleaner.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. To make the powder, you must first dry the peels, or you will have a viscous orange goo. I kept a wire drying rack on the counter to hold discarded peels as we waited for them to dehydrate.
Or, my favorite, the Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Machine with 26-Hour Timer, Automatic Shut Off, and Temperature Control, is also a great way to do this quickly. You can get the less expensive model without the shutoff, but I have ruined too many things because I forgot to shut it off.
2. Once the peels are dry, I put them in a dry blender until they are powdered.
You could also use a spice grinder. I store them in a glass jar with a plastic lid. I put half away for making a scrub and a small portion into the kitchen spice cabinet for cooking.
3. Add a subtle citrus flavor to your dishes. Add a teaspoon of orange peel powder to your smoothies, salad dressings, or baked goods for extra flavor.
Orange peel powder is a great way to add a subtle citrus flavor to your dishes without overpowering the other flavors.
Using orange peel powder as a household cleaner is an eco–friendly and cost–effective way to keep your home clean and fresh. Orange peel powder is a natural and non–toxic ingredient that can be used to clean surfaces, remove stains, and freshen odors.
In addition, the natural oil in orange peel can help to disinfect surfaces and cut through grease and grime.
Here is a step–by–step guide on how to use orange peel powder as a household cleaner:
1. Make your own cleaner. To make a simple cleaner, mix two tablespoons of orange peel powder with one cup of warm water. Stir the mixture until the powder has dissolved.
2. Apply the cleaner to the surface you want to clean. Use a cloth or sponge to spread the cleaner over the surface. Make sure to cover the entire area.
3. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes. This will give the natural oil in the orange peel time to work its magic and break down grease and grime.
4. Wipe down the surface. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the cleaner and any dirt or grime. 5. Rinse and dry the surface. Use a clean, damp cloth.
Orange Peel Powder Scrub:
- one part orange peel powder
- two parts baking soda
- white vinegar
- glass container
Mix orange peel powder and baking soda. Mix in enough white vinegar to make a paste. Only mix as needed as it will become cement once it dries. Orange peel scrub can be used to clean the tub, a heavily soiled pot, and floors. Once the desired area is clean use water to wash away the remaining debris.
Orange Peel Spray Cleaner:
- citrus peels
- white vinegar
- glass container with a lid
- spray bottle
Fill a glass container with any citrus peels. Pour white vinegar to cover the skins. Close the container tightly and store in a dark place for several weeks.
Tip: Make the infusion process faster by gently heating the vinegar.
The orange peels will infuse the vinegar with natural scent and color. Remove from the cupboard and use it for safe chemical-free cleaning.
Tip: strain out the peels to avoid clogging the spray bottle.
I hope you love your homemade household cleaner as much as I do. The benefit of reducing food waste is small, but if everyone contributes, we can make a tremendous difference.
